How to Apply

If you are disabled or have a mental health condition,
you will need a medical report or a written medical statement from a doctor,
consultant or appropriate qualified specialist confirming the nature of your
disability or condition.Your
evidence should be signed, dated and on official headed paper. It should be
recent evidence – though if you have a condition which is obviously long-term,
this is less important. It should clearly diagnose your condition and
indicate how your condition is likely to impact on your academic and
day-to-day tasks. It should clearly state that your condition is long-term –
e.g., has lasted more than one year (or is almost certain to last more than 1
year).

In the case of SpLDs (e.g., dyslexia or dyspraxia),
you will need a full diagnostic assessment carried out after you were 16 years
old by a charter or practitioner psychologist – or a specialist teacher
holding a current Assessment Practicing Certificate.You will need to pay any assessment costs.

Step 2:
Complete and submit your application form

Application forms and guidance
notes can be downloaded herehttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898There is no deadline for applying for
DSAs but we advise you to apply as soon as possible to increase the chances
of having your support in place for the start of your course. Use the DSA1
‘short’ form if you are applying for DSAs together with other student
finance. Use the DSA1 ‘full’ form if you are applying only for DSAs – or if
you are a part-time or postgraduate student.

Step 3: Receive
your eligibility letter

If you are eligible for DSAs,
you will receive an eligibility letter asking you to arrange a needs
assessment to determine exactly what equipment and support you need.

You will receive a letter
letting you know if DSAs can pay for any specialist equipment and other
support recommended in your needs assessment.This letter will also give you instructions for ordering equipment or
arranging other support.

Step 6: Order
your equipment and arrange your other support

Your entitlement letter will include the details of the company responsible for supplying your equipment. You should call the named company as soon as possible to arrange a delivery date and time.Any other support such as note-taking or library support will be arranged by your Disability Adviser once your timetable is published by your department. You can discuss this with your adviser when you register with Student Disability Services.

Step 7:
Start your course

Once your course starts you may wish to make changes to the frequency or nature of your support. If you have any concerns at all you should speak to a Disability Adviser.

Step 8:
Reapply for your student finance in advance of each year of your course

If you apply for DSAs together with other student
finance, you don’t have to reapply for DSAs each year of your course
as long as you state on your main application that you want to continue
receiving them.

If you are applying for DSAs only, or if you are a
part-time or postgraduate student, you will need to reapply for DSAs
each year.